If you’ve ever wandered through woods, you’ve probably seen a tree motte without even realizing it. A motte is simply a cluster of trees that naturally grows together, creating little islands of shade and shelter across the landscape. For wildlife, a motte is a mini-habitat—providing food, nesting space, and a cool refuge from the Texas heat.

When it comes to planting new trees, it stands to reason that mimicking the way trees thrive in the wild is the best course of action.

Zilker Park belongs to all the people of Austin. And every memory made and every story told contributes to its legacy. To celebrate the many voices that make Zilker Park so special, Zilker 351 is launching a Guest Blogger Series. We begin with Holly Hawk, Executive Director of the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, whose story reflects the deep connection so many of us feel for Austin’s most beloved park.

Last month’s catastrophic floods throughout the Hill Country shook us all—devastating us with the loss of our children, neighbors, and friends. Grief hangs heavy in the air as our communities try to rebuild and take the first unsteady steps down the long road of healing. It will not be easy. The sheer force of nature—its ability to erase in moments that which we love the most—is staggering.

Paradoxically, nature—with all its power, fury, and indifference—is also where we turn for solace. The natural world holds an equal and opposite force: one of beauty, renewal, and connection. When the birds once again fill the mornings with song and the rivers quiet to a gentle flow, it is nature’s gift to us all. A simple walk in the woods can, almost magically, refill our cups with a little comfort, perspective—and maybe, eventually, peace.

Austin’s parks have always reflected the promise—and the failures—of public life in America. On Juneteenth, as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas, it’s important to recognize that Black Austinites have long fought not only for freedom, but for access: to land, to leisure, and to belonging in public space.

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with you all on behalf of Zilker 351.  Fleetwood Jacobs has joined Zilker 351 as the new Executive Director! Fleetwood is passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement, and she has deep and impressive experience with the skills that Zilker 351 will need to move forward with our work to honor, preserve and enhance the natural, cultural, and recreational treasures of 351-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park for all.  Her deep roots in Austin and her leadership experience make her the perfect choice to guide Zilker 351 into this next exciting new chapter of growth and impact.

Zilker 351 has the mission to "honor, preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and recreational treasures of 351-acre Zilker Park."

A new community board has been created to help preserve and elevate Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin.

Leaders from nonprofit groups attached to Zilker Park have formed a new nonprofit group intended to enhance and preserve the 351-acre metropolitan park that is expected to be transformed in the coming years.

The Zilker Area is one of Austin’s largest, most central treasures, and many people have been tasked with taking care of it. Those ranks now include a brand-new nonprofit called Zilker 351 (named for the number of acres in the park), announced on April 3 by a community board of directors.